bigsid

Good evening folks,

I have searched google and the forums to find an answer without much luck. I ordered new wheels for my Roubaix and heard its a good idea to replace the cassette when replacing the wheels. I was hoping to upgrade, just not sure of my options. Currently Shimano 105 9 speed 12-25 with Ultegra RD-6500 derailleur.

Can I go to 10 speed?
Dura-Ace 7900?

thanks for any help.

Sid

alcjphil

Dura Ace 7900 is pretty much obsolete, the 11 speed Dura Ace 9000 came out almost 3 years ago. If you are buying new wheels and you want an upgrade, make sure the cassette body is 11 speed compatible. That way if you decide to upgrade later you will have the choice. If you are thinking about upgrading, consider Ultegra 6800 11 speed. I have a friend who has Dura Ace 7900 on one bike and Ultegra 6800 on the other. He almost never rides the Dura Ace bike any more because the Ultegra group shifts so much better

bigsid

Thanks so much. So I can just replace the 9 speed with the 11 speed and that gives 33 gears?

Andrew R Stewart 

I wonder what the OP expects from an "up grade" that's within the OE cog count. Lighter weight? better shifting? Shimano pretty much uses the same cog contouring (tooth profile and shift gating) across the different levels there's not much shifting difference between them. The weight differences are far less then not carrying a second water bottle.

Now the condition of the chain, cassette and guide pulley, wear and adjustment wise, does make a difference in shifting. (On the rear).

And the need to change out the cassette with a new wheel set would only be because the new wheel set won't handle the old cassette, fit wise. We transfer over the old cassette on most wheel installs if possible, saves having to consider the chain's possible replacement. Andy.

bigsid

Thanks Andy, the bike is 8 years old with original equipment. Shifts ok, I just see some of the cogs are somewhat pointed. Everything I read states that you want the cogs squared off and uniform. I'm fine with using the original, just wanted to see if replacing or upgrading made sense. Sid

Bill Kapaun

IF you change the # of speeds, you have to change the shifter.

demoncyclist

If your cassette is that worn that the teeth are pointed, you need cassette, chain and probably chainrings. If you want to go from 9S to 10S, you will need new shifters along with a 10S cassette and 10S chain.

bigsid

Thanks so much demon. Exactly what I needed to know. This is my first road bike and I purchased it used to make sure I would like it. Turns out I LOVE it. Walking a fine line between spending on upgrades or purchasing a new bike. Looks like I could pick up an Ultegra 9 speed cassette pretty cheap and not have to change anything. Sid